Over 300 Spectus Elite 70 System windows were used in the construction of a new build retirement village in Chorley town centre. Chorley Council commissioned a 65 apartment retirement village to provide those aged 55 and above with an independent living space with access to care and support. The development,
The latest innovative solution from Komatsu has been demonstrated at the iconic Le Mans 24hrs race circuit in France. A host of distributors, including Irish firm McHale Plant Sales, were on hand to learn more about the Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission (HMT). Fitted to the latest WA475–10 wheel loader, those present
Kier is set to continue serving 1.8 million customers across the South West after being named on the new Network Services Alliance (NSA) Water Framework. The contractor was successfully reappointed to the South West Water framework as it continues to develop its long-standing relationship with the national utility. The framework,
A development project has been launched at the former Strand Union Workhouse in Fitzrovia, a site said to have inspired Charles Dicken’s classic novel Oliver Twist. Morgan Sindall Construction has signed a Pre-Contract Services Agreement (PCSA) which will see the company work on the first phase of development, overseeing and
One of the North West’s leading glass partition firms, Altitude Glass based in Blackburn, has completed work on two commercial office schemes in Lancashire. Altitude Glass has supplied and fitted the glass for a new office scheme in Ribchester for design and digital agency, Workhouse Marketing; and completed a stunning
2019 has seen Kubota UK turn 40, giving us a chance to reflect on how the construction industry has witnessed significant change over the last few decades; whether that be through technological innovation, shifts in the economic climate or changes in how to hire the right skills. But one of its oldest
Property chiefs are calling for the creation of an Olympic-style body to deliver the homes and infrastructure needed to create a supercluster within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, warning that a lack of new housing, workspace and suitable infrastructure threatens to stifle growth in the region by pricing out talent and businesses.
Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes has officially opened its Marketing Suite at Cales Reach in the South Somerset town of Wincanton and has already taken its first off-plan reservation. The new development, which is within walking distance to the historic town centre, will feature 60 two to four-bedroom homes, finished in
Interserve Group’s Chief Executive Officer Debbie White is set to leave the company at the end of the year. Debbie will step down from her role as of 31 December 2019. During her time at Interserve, she led the company through one of the most challenging periods of corporate restructuring
Work has begun to build a new state-of-the-art teaching block at Colmers School & Sixth Form College in Rednal, Birmingham. Interserve has signed on to deliver the £7.2 million project, with funding directly from the Department for Education (DfE), Birmingham City Council and Colmers School & Sixth Form College. This
Over 300 Spectus Elite 70 System windows were used in the construction of a new build retirement village in Chorley town centre. Chorley Council commissioned a 65 apartment retirement village to provide those aged 55 and above with an independent living space with access to care and support. The development, Primrose Gardens, is in the centre of Chorley and is part of the Council’s strategic masterplan for the town centre. The development partner for the build was Eric Wright Construction. The window contract on the build was awarded to Spectus Approved Window contractor JADE Window and Door Specialists, a family run company based in Batley with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. JADE won the contract because it was able to demonstrate its ability to meet the demanding requirements of the window specification and deliver the project in line with the reduced timeframe required. The 65 apartments had over 300 windows in total. Thermal efficiency was a particular focus to keep running costs on the apartments to a minimum. The Elite 70 System from Spectus was able to meet this requirement and within the budget. It is a five-chamber system, which increases thermal performance, meaning it is capable of achieving a Window Energy Rating of A+ and U-values to 0.8W/m2K. The system is Secured by Design accredited where a high level of security is a requirement. Primrose Gardens’ town centre location meant careful programming and logistics planning was required to ensure minimum disruption and safe access. The construction was also on a reduced timeframe to enable Chorley Council to start delivering services as quickly as possible. JADE Window and Door Specialists are an experienced commercial contractor, so the team was able to take these factors into account and still deliver a high-quality installation to the timescale. The construction was completed on schedule in Autumn 2019. Councillor Alistair Bradley of Chorley Council said: “What is important is that the scheme will not only provide much- needed affordable accommodation for older people in the town who may need extra care and support later in life, it will also bring residential areas back into the town centre which is part of our town centre masterplan. And it will also generate much-needed income for the council which is vital with the cuts in central government funding that can be spent on providing services to our residents.”
The latest innovative solution from Komatsu has been demonstrated at the iconic Le Mans 24hrs race circuit in France. A host of distributors, including Irish firm McHale Plant Sales, were on hand to learn more about the Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission (HMT). Fitted to the latest WA475–10 wheel loader, those present were shown how HMT works and the benefit it will bring by enabling the WA475-10 to deliver more power whilst being more efficient in its fuel use. Thanks to a variable speed and traction control, top speed is adjustable throughout its entire speed range, in accordance with the conditions of the job site, while variable traction control limits wheel spin in difficult ground conditions. By dispensing with the need for a torque convertor, the Komatsu WA475-10 could carry 20 percent less fuel while the HMT system delivered some 17 percent better fuel consumption. McHale Plant Sales director, John O’Brien observed: “Powered by an EU Stage V engine and covered by a five years or 10,000 hours warranty, the next generation WA475-10 wheel loader with HMT proved to be a very versatile performer. “Built on the recognised benefits of its predecessor, it has the appeal of being up to 30% more fuel-efficient and is perfect for any moving, transport or loading job, combining outstanding fuel efficiency, productivity and ease of operation. “Hydraulic speed can be independently controlled, directly from the accelerator pedal, making it easy for the operator to find the right balance between traction and lifting power. The optimised Z-bar linkage system provides much more lift force and a higher tonnes-per-hour production rate while lift speed and class-leading machine stability help boost productivity, especially in narrow-space loading applications,” he added.
Kier is set to continue serving 1.8 million customers across the South West after being named on the new Network Services Alliance (NSA) Water Framework. The contractor was successfully reappointed to the South West Water framework as it continues to develop its long-standing relationship with the national utility. The framework, which is part of AMP7, will begin in April 2020 for an initial three-year period with the potential for a five-year extension. Under the framework, Kier will continue to deliver both planned and 24/7 reactive services including mains network repair and maintenance, metering, new connections and developer services to SWW customers. A new scope of works for AMP7 will now also include waste reactive network and developer services into the contract. Barry McNicholas, group managing director at Kier Utilities and Rail, said: “It’s testament to our long-standing relationship with South West Water that we have been awarded these ongoing AMP7 works. Delivering quality services for 1.8 million customers in the South West has been our focus for over 25 years and we are looking forward to continuing to ensure this vital infrastructure is maintained to the same high standard and working in collaboration with South West Water to offer an industry leading experience for its customers.” Iain Vosper, South West Water’s Operations Director – Drinking Water Services, added: “The Network Services Alliance (NSA) contract is our most significant operational contract between 2020 and 2025. “The NSA contract has been a key strategic contract for SWW that has been successful in delivering network distribution, metering and new connection activity since 2016/17 for both South West Water and Bournemouth Water regions. The collaborative approach the business took to the tender process has resulted in the inclusion of similar activities across the water, wastewater and engineering directorates to target greater efficiencies in activities previously undertaken under separate contracts. “This is an exciting time for South West Water and Kier, as we have both accepted stretching and challenging performance metrics, delivering industry-leading service to our customers.”
A development project has been launched at the former Strand Union Workhouse in Fitzrovia, a site said to have inspired Charles Dicken’s classic novel Oliver Twist. Morgan Sindall Construction has signed a Pre-Contract Services Agreement (PCSA) which will see the company work on the first phase of development, overseeing and enabling the safe excavation and removal of over 2,000 burials at the site. The scheme will see 40 per cent of the existing buildings retained, including the imposing Grade II listed workhouse. New public space and communal gardens, designed to reveal and enhance the historic character of the listed building, will be created within the heart of Fitzrovia. The contractor will also deliver a new mixed-use development consisting of commercial, healthcare and residential space behind the workhouse. The eight storey building will house 34 residential units in the heart of Fitzrovia, approximately 70 per cent of which will be affordable for social rent and for key workers. The building will provide circa 5,000 square feet of commercial space and healthcare facilities including a new MRI Imaging Suite with six new MRI machines at basement level. Under the first phase of work on the development, Morgan Sindall Construction is delivering the enabling works at the site. The multifaceted works package will see the company support and enable archaeologists to safely excavate and remove thousands of bodies buried at the site, linked to its historic use as a local cemetery and workhouse. During these works, three other buildings at the front of the site will be refurbished by another contractor, making collaboration and effective coordination fundamental to the success of both projects. Richard Dobson, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s London office, said: “This is a fascinating project in an area of London that has huge cultural resonance on a global scale and it’s our privilege to be working alongside the expert archaeological team to enable the safe excavation and removal of these precious remains. “This is a delicate and complex operation that will be delivered while works on a number of live projects around the site continue at pace. This requires expert coordination, cross-party collaboration and the experience of working effectively with minimum disruption on major schemes on logistically challenging, tight, urban sites. “This is a challenge our team has the experience and expertise to deliver upon and we look forward to enabling our colleagues to safely secure the historic legacy of the site, while work on the development continues to schedule.” The project for Middlesex Annexe LLP, a subsidiary of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charity, is part of The Bedford Passage Development, which falls within the Charlotte Street Conservation Area, and is part of the Fitzrovia Area Action Plan. The excavation works are due to start in January 2020. Once the enabling works are completed, works to the main building will commence in 2021.
One of the North West’s leading glass partition firms, Altitude Glass based in Blackburn, has completed work on two commercial office schemes in Lancashire. Altitude Glass has supplied and fitted the glass for a new office scheme in Ribchester for design and digital agency, Workhouse Marketing; and completed a stunning acoustic glass fit-out for the accountancy firm, Towers and Gornall. Workhouse Marketing were extending their existing office floor space into a new barn conversion, creating a large mezzanine floor with a modern, contemporary feel. Altitude Glass were tasked to install more than 14 linear metres of internal glass partition walls and doors, to create separate offices within the building. The new office exudes a fresh and elegant look, which ensures maximum use of natural lighting and effective use of the space. The second project, for accountancy firm Towers and Gornall, involved a significant remodelling of the building to create three separate offices, a reception area, boardroom, kitchen and storeroom. The offices were on the top floor in the loft space, an area where natural light is limited. The solution needed to create a more open plan, modern feel in the area, yet also maintain privacy. To meet the brief, Altitude Glass worked with acoustic glass to create the all-important light-filled space. This type of glass was ideal for the project due to its soundproof qualities. Sharon Snape, managing director of Altitude Glass, said: “Open-plan spaces are losing some favour because of the lack of privacy and the distraction that noise has on employees. Organisations instead want to create a mix of both open and private spaces that are linked together and flooded with natural light. Glass partitions are the perfect solution for this. This trend is driving demand for internal glazing, in particular, acoustic glass, to create private but connected spaces that significantly reduce noise in the workplace.” She added: “The Towers and Gornall project focussed on the sound transference element. For this reason, acoustic glass was selected for the partitions, and framed glass doors were incorporated to ensure minimal sound transference. We also designed the graphics for the glass partitions, which for privacy purposes, were sized to reach halfway up the glass. “The graphics featured a subtle use of colours generated from Towers and Gornall’s logo, to complement their branding and offer consistency throughout. The resulting office, with the acoustic glass, was a great success as the sound rating was around 48db once the door was closed instead of 32db.” Altitude Glass are experts in glass partitions and panels. The team develop and install products including glass partition walls, balustrades, doors and bespoke glass panels. The company has worked on many major glass projects for commercial office buildings, spas and hotels.
2019 has seen Kubota UK turn 40, giving us a chance to reflect on how the construction industry has witnessed significant change over the last few decades; whether that be through technological innovation, shifts in the economic climate or changes in how to hire the right skills. But one of its oldest partners also has cause for celebration this year. Our friends at GAP Hire Solutions have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the company throughout 2019. Over the last half a century the company has grown to become the UK’s largest independent plant, tools, equipment and vehicle rental firm. Established in 1969 by Gordon Anderson, the family-owned and run business operates from over 140 depots and employs over 1,800 people nationwide. GAP has remained a family-run business, ensuring that the same family principles on which the company were founded continue to this day. GAP and Kubota UK have worked together for many years, with the former selling over 500 construction machines since the partnership began, and for much of their partnership, Kubota UK has been GAP’s sole supplier of mini and midi excavators. To celebrate this milestone and its longstanding relationship with the hire company, Kubota has gifted GAP with a gold Kubota machine. For the next year, 50% of all hire revenue from the golden machine will go to The Lighthouse Club, a charity which provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families. The most recent rental of the machine secured £180 for this organisation. To support this initiative and local charities affecting the construction industry, Kubota has pledged to match the money GAP raises through the golden machine. Ken Stewart, Head of Procurement at GAP Group, said: “Here at GAP, we run a large fleet of Kubota excavators ranging in size from 800kg to 8.0t. When looking at the types of products we want to buy, price is and always will be an important factor. But we also look closely at factors such as the cost of ownership, reliability, after sales support and general market acceptance. In our opinion, the Kubota product continues to tick all the boxes and is well received by both our customers and our UK depot network. “We have a strong affinity with Kubota in general with their engines being used in so many of our other products such as compressors, tandem ride on rollers, dumpers, lighting towers and generators to name but a few. “We look forward to working with Kubota UK for the next 50 years and beyond!” Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager Construction Division at Kubota UK commented: “GAP is Kubota UK’s largest independent customer, and this is a testament to the strength of the relationship that we have built with the team over the last few years. We know that our machines are well suited to GAP’s needs as they provide reliable, well designed and robust solutions to withstand the rigours of the hire industry. What’s more, our responsive dealership network has allowed GAP to rapidly respond to customer and depot requirements. From all of us at Kubota UK, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our friends and colleagues at GAP. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
Property chiefs are calling for the creation of an Olympic-style body to deliver the homes and infrastructure needed to create a supercluster within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, warning that a lack of new housing, workspace and suitable infrastructure threatens to stifle growth in the region by pricing out talent and businesses. The call for an Olympic-style delivery authority is one of the proposals put forward in the ‘Radical Regeneration Manifesto’ produced by property consultants Bidwells, architects Perkins and Will, and policy advisory business Blackstock Consulting. In total, the manifesto sets out sixteen policy recommendations to overhaul the tax and planning systems to make Britain a more attractive place to invest and develop. In Cambridge, houses prices soared by 73.4 per cent in the last decade, while in Oxford, prices have seen a 66.8 per cent increase. The success of the Arc’s knowledge-based economy, which has an annual GVA of £100bn, has also caused office rents to jump by 11.9% in the last year alone as companies vie for limited space. To guarantee the Arc’s future growth, twenty-five major investors and developers, including Legal & General, Barratt Developments, and Grosvenor, are calling for politicians to create a singular body responsible for delivering housing and infrastructure within the Arc – just as they did with the Olympics and the Docklands. This new body, which would bring together local councils and developers, would be responsible for delivering all new housing, transport links, social infrastructure and commercial space within the Arc, which covers three million people. The Olympic-style delivery authority, which will see the Arc’s thirty-one local authorities sit alongside developers to coordinate decision making and risk taking, will help streamline planning, making it easier to deliver and speed-up major projects such as the Oxford-Cambridge rail link and development more generally as well as giving investors greater certainty. This would help create a supercluster like California’s Silicon Valley with tech giants sitting alongside start-ups and university spinouts. Established in 2006, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) helped ensure the 2012 London Olympics and the games’ legacy were a success. Over a six-year period, the ODA led and coordinated the planning and construction of the Olympic Park, with eight new venues, a media centre complex, the Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ village, 250 acres of parklands, as well as new bridges, roads and energy infrastructure. The construction of the Park in East London was widely hailed as a success due to the ODA’s ability to remove the need for time-consuming negotiations with various local bodies. Instead, the overriding development entity encouraged collaboration between the five local councils that sat within the boroughs in which regeneration was taking place and developers, with strict and immovable deadlines for planning, financing and construction ensuring targets were met. The ODA was inspired by the success of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) which was appointed powers to acquire and dispose of land to drive regeneration efforts. The LDDC also served as the development planning authority for the area and was further empowered in 1982 when the creation of an enterprise zone simplified planning rules and capital allowances. Patrick McMahon, senior partner at Bidwells, says: “At either end of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc are the two best universities in the world that collectively see some of the world’s most promising talent walk through its doors each year. But, while attracting top talent doesn’t seem to be a problem, retaining it certainly is. By delivering vital housing, infrastructure and cutting-edge science and tech facilities, the Oxford-Cambridge Arc’s knowledge-based economy can compete on the global stage while having significant knock-on effects for the rest of the UK through supporting industries and connecting businesses. But to do so, a long-term strategy that encourages public-private collaboration is crucial.”
Westcountry homebuilder Cavanna Homes has officially opened its Marketing Suite at Cales Reach in the South Somerset town of Wincanton and has already taken its first off-plan reservation. The new development, which is within walking distance to the historic town centre, will feature 60 two to four-bedroom homes, finished in red brick or crisp render with natural slate features, in keeping with the local area. Cales Reach is Cavanna Homes’ first development in the area and the first since the firm was awarded the UK’s Medium Housebuilder of the Year in the 2019 national Housebuilder Awards. Prices have just been released by the homebuilder and the first new homes are anticipated to be ready to move into by Spring 2020. The range of modern, detached and semi-detached energy-efficient homes are designed to suit a variety of home-seekers’ requirements and tastes, ranging from two-bedroom to four-bedroom family homes and townhouses. The first set of new homes released include a two-bedroom Rippon and three-bedroom Bracken and Steeperton house type, with prices starting from £215,000. Cales Reach is surrounded by orchards, hills and stunning panoramic views of Somerset. The development is also close to the A303 and Templecombe train station. Homebuilder Cavanna Homes has contributed £110,000 towards the extension of Wincanton County Primary School’s eight new classrooms. Paul Furner, Head of Sales and Marketing at Cavanna Homes, said: “We pride ourselves on working with our communities and understanding the areas in which we build, which is why our two Sales Advisors are local to the area and can provide people with brilliant advice on the best places to visit. “We’re proud to be named the UK’s Medium Housebuilder of the Year in the national Housebuilder Awards, recognising our commitment to “Building Brilliance” and high-quality new homes. “We’re very excited to launch Cales Reach and we look forward to welcoming people to discover our beautiful new homes in Somerset”. Melody Laitinen, Sales Advisor at Cales Reach, added: “We’re encouraging home-seekers to get in quick and reserve early before our new homes are snapped up. Reserving early also allows buyers to tailor their home with a choice of fixtures and fittings, including kitchen and bathroom tiles, to complement the beautifully styled and high-quality build. “We offer a number of buying schemes, including Move Assist, Part-Exchange and our show home leaseback scheme. So, if anyone is looking to move to this fantastic location, come and visit us to find out more.” Cales Reach is close to local shops, a village pub, Wincanton County Primary School, Kings Arthurs Community School, a doctor’s surgery and vet practice. There is also a monthly Farmers’ Market offering fresh produce, crafts and more. Wincanton is also home to a sports centre offering swimming, badminton, hockey and a fitness suite. The sports ground includes a football pitch, a rugby pitch, a cricket square and tennis courts. Wincanton Racecourse holds events throughout the year and features a 9-hole golf club on site.
Interserve Group’s Chief Executive Officer Debbie White is set to leave the company at the end of the year. Debbie will step down from her role as of 31 December 2019. During her time at Interserve, she led the company through one of the most challenging periods of corporate restructuring in its history. During this period, she was instrumental in maintaining strong relationships with the Group’s customers, from private enterprises to the UK Government. Debbie led the delivery of the Group-wide transformation programme and ‘Fit for Growth’ initiative, which delivered material cost savings of £20m in 2018 and improvements in operating margin performance. Since March 2019, she has worked in partnership with Interserve Group Limited’s new shareholders to strengthen the leadership across the Group and ensure it has the right mix of experience across the Board and Executive Team to continue its growth as a privately held company. Alan Lovell, Chairman of Interserve Group Limited, said: “Debbie leaves Interserve with the greatest respect of the Board. In her time here, she has worked tirelessly to turn the business around and has steered the Group through a period of unprecedented uncertainty, which included securing a critical refinancing. She led the Group’s ‘Fit for Growth’ initiative, transforming Interserve into a more agile business, with reduced costs and a more competitive value proposition. On behalf of the Board and all at Interserve, I would like to thank her for the huge contribution that she has made through such a critical and challenging period for the business.” Debbie White, Chief Executive Officer of Interserve Group Limited added: “The past two years at Interserve have been the most demanding of my professional career. As a management team, we fought to deliver a stronger financial platform for the business from which it can move forward. Whilst we were ultimately unable to secure sufficient shareholder support for the proposed deleveraging plan, under new ownership, we were able to reduce the Group’s debt which alongside the successful delivery of the company wide transformation programme, was critical to securing the future of the Group. “I am grateful for the support of our customers, suppliers and the UK Government during this period. Most importantly, I am grateful to the many fantastic people I have worked alongside at Interserve, and I wish them every success in the future.” Interserve also announced it will be strengthening its leadership capabilities in each of its three business divisions. As a result, the key operational responsibilities of the Chief Executive’s Office will in part be devolved to the business divisions, with Mark Morris, currently Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, assuming the role overseeing all Group functions.
Work has begun to build a new state-of-the-art teaching block at Colmers School & Sixth Form College in Rednal, Birmingham. Interserve has signed on to deliver the £7.2 million project, with funding directly from the Department for Education (DfE), Birmingham City Council and Colmers School & Sixth Form College. This scheme will involve the demolition of the existing west building, which is more than 70 years old, and the construction of a new large teaching block to accommodate additional facilities including two science classrooms and a growing school cohort. It forms part of the UK Government’s £4.4 billion Priority School Building Programme which aims to rebuild or refurbish those school buildings in the very worst condition across the country. Emma Leaman, Head Teacher at Colmers School & Sixth Form College, said: “This much-needed replacement of one out-dated school building on the site will offer modern facilities, providing life-long benefits for pupils and staff in a welcoming and secure setting. This is a wonderful opportunity for the school and our local community and there will be an emphasis on quality and innovation throughout the building programme. “Interserve Construction, which has lots of experience of building schools, has been selected by the Department for Education to deliver the project.” Simon Butler, Interserve Construction Divisional Director, added: “This exciting project represents the largest investment in more than 70 years for Colmers School & Sixth Form College. It will enable it to grow and build upon their performance with brand new facilities for generations of students in this area. “Education across the spectrum from primary through to tertiary remains a key strategic focus for Interserve Construction and in the past year alone we have been named the lead contractor on more than 16 new school projects demonstrating our capabilities in the sector.”